The final lineup at Donna Karan show =(…
OMG! So as I picked up my copy of WWD Monday newspaper, I was EXTREMELY shocked to see that they have published what I was have been thinking these past year(s). Where have all the black models gone? WWD did bring to my attention that not only are black models MIA but so are black photographers, designers, editors, etc. Now as a black person, I noticed this from the very beginning. The runway is something that lacks personality…every girl looks the same. Back in the 90s, there was the “supermodel”…Naomi, Christy, Cindi, etc. We knew who they were…they were household names. But that’s another topic for another time. What I did realize was that the number of Asian designers and models have risen. Designers such as old schoolers Vera Wang, Yeohlee Tang and newbies DooRi, Thakoon, Philip Lim have increased the number of Asians in the fashion industry. Also the number of Asian models have increased.
The fact that the fashion industry have taken note of this is surprising to me!
There was a panel held in the Bryant Park Hotel on Friday where Andre Leon Talley (THE Andre..*sigh*) spoke on this issue along with Naomi Campbell and other people. He asked that this issue be brought up to the CFDA (but this will be after the public hearing on Oct.15..at the New York Public Library..which I plan to attend).
If it’s like this in the US, I can only imagine what it’s like in Europe. From what I read…I would never make it as a model in Europe. *sigh*
Some one (I forgot where I read the article) claimed that maybe its not the industry maybe there are no black models. What??? Black models are everywhere…Eva Marcille, Dani (both from America’s Next Top Model). Plus this is New York..you can definitely find black models. The question is, will the fashion industry accept them? The fact that there is such a small percentage of models out there representing us baffles me…especialy when black women purchase luxury goods just as much as our white counterparts.
I must applaud certain designers this season for their acceptance of us black women. The lovely Diane von Furstenberg, Tracey Reese (one of the few African American designers out there), and Heatherette. I would like to really thank Heatherette because after seeing full Frontal Fashion (ch. 22 NYC-TV) and their SS08 show…the first 10 models were black! THEY OPENED THE SHOW WITH BLACK WOMEN! THANK YOU! I knew I loved Heatherette for a reason other then they’re quirky style =).
The top (and practically only) black models out there are:
Chanel Iman (kudos to Chanel for making the cover of Vogue in May 2007…only black model of 10 girls):
Alek Wek (now a published author):Liya Kebede (the first African American model to be the face of Estee Lauder):Naomi Campbell (countless covers, shows, and was part of the Supermodel reign):
Maybe after meeting with the head honchos, there will be some change…:-/
I would like to draw your attention to http://www.jamati.com/online/?cat=5 where we highlight African designers who are beginning to make it big (or are making it big) in the US, Europe and Asia. Perhaps they can help build up the demand for black models again.
Shirlene Alusa-Brown
http://www.jamati.com
[email protected]
This collection is excellent:)